Our leadership team

Breaking barriers to innovation

The Catalyze team combines scientific excellence (PhD, Post-doc) with commercial experience. We employ talented, smart, responsible and ambitious professionals who are committed and passionate about our client services. We value strong teamwork and pride ourselves on maintaining a highly transparent and honest framework with client relationships.

Theodoor Rutgers

Founder and Director

Theodoor, one of our co-founders, has raised €100 million in subsidies and grants and has been involved in the start-up of several early stage (life science) companies.

Jalal Es-Sbai

Founder and Director

Jalal, one of our co-founders has raised €100 million in subsidies and grants and specializes in business development and financing strategies for innovative companies.

Quirein te Roller

Commercial Director

Quirein is responsible for the Commercial Organization: Business Development, Marketing, Legal and the Strategic Funding unit. “Teamwork between all departments is key in achieving our objectives. Together with the consulting department, we are working hard to expand the loyal customer base and build the Catalyze Brand worldwide”.

Marlene Végh, PhD

Consultancy Director

As Consultancy Director, Marlene is responsible for the whole consultancy organization, to drive and execute business operations strategies, plans and procedures and to set strategic goals that promote operational efficiency and company growth.

Peter Schoevers

Founder & Chairman

Co-founder Peter worked for Solvay Pharmaceuticals for 10 years in international management positions in the Netherlands, Germany, UK, Belgium and Japan.

Kirsten van Benthem

Commercial Manager

Kirsten van Benthem is the Commercial Manager at Catalyze. She uses her experience and expertise in Pharma and FMCG in order to manage various types of departments.

Josta Kevenaar, PhD

Consultancy Manager - Life Sciences

Josta is responsible for the consultancy operations and strategy within the Life Sciences & Health Department. In her role, she develops and carries out strategic plans with the aim to provide optimal and high-quality services.

Sara Schaafsma, PhD

Consultancy Manager - Agriculture, Food and Bioeconomy

Sara is responsible for the Agriculture, Food, and Bioeconomy, consultancy department. She develops and implements the strategic plans with the aim to provide effective and high-quality services, optimize team performance and satisfaction, and accelerate growth.

Boaz van Driel, PhD

Consultancy Manager - Strategy Practice

As Strategic Consultancy Manager, Boaz is responsible for the development and growth of the Strategy Practice and its consultants. In this role, Boaz oversees the department’s assignments and their contribution to the success of our clients.

Nawal Bahia El Idrissi, PhD

Head of Strategic Business Development - Europe

As Head of Strategic Business Development, Nawal leads a strategic business development team and is responsible for the positioning of new strategic services in the market and the achievement of Sales Strategy targets.

Wouter Nuytinck

Head of Business Development - Life Sciences

As Head of Business Development Life Sciences, Wouter works with his team of Business Developers to support our Life Sciences clients with their strategic needs.

Neeltje Ramnath-Willems

HEAD OF CATALYZE AGRI, FOOD & BIOECONOMY

As Head of Catalyze Agri, Food and Bioeconomy, Neeltje is responsible for building the overall global strategy, expanding our international network and leading the commercial AFB team.

Virginia Ballotta, PhD

Business Developer - Country Manager Switzerland

Virginia is responsible for the Swiss office of Catalyze. She aims to support researchers and innovators through national and international financing tools, matchmaking with strategic partners, and business strategy support.

Myriam Keijzer

Human Resources Manager

Myriam is Manager HR at Catalyze and leads the HR and Recruitment team. She drives development and execution of the People & Culture strategy to achieve company growth, commercial and operational success with highly engaged and motivated employees.